#The God Complex

[notyoujamie]

[webtrinsic1122]

Imagine if Two and Jamie faced the Eleventh Doctor’s episode “The God Complex,” and of course like Amy - Jamie’s faith would be in the Doctor, so the Doctor would have to try breaking Jamie’s faith in him so Jamie doesn’t get hurt - BUT IT DOESNT WORK

[dandelionjack]

you know just because i’ve been going to bat for moffat these last few days doesn’t mean i’m uncritical of his past failures. never forgiving that man for insinuating in the god complex (toby whithouse not him, i’m aware, still, he was the script editor at the time) and in the angels take manhattan that a marker of “growing up” for a woman is taking her husband’s last name. as if a desire for independence is synonymous with childishness. amy is not a “williams” and never will be — on the flipside, rory is a Pond

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

Payneland Doctor Who AU (The God Complex)

This is the last straw, Edwin knows. Break Charles’ faith to save his life.

Break Charles to save his life.

Charles will never stay with Edwin after this. Edwin wouldn’t ever ask it of him. 

“Edwin,” Charles says, and even after all of this, he still believes. The Minotaur is at the door and yet he still believes, because he grits his teeth and says, “It’s changing my thoughts. It wants me to praise it. But I won’t- I can’t-”

Charles can’t believe. It is the one thing in the universe that could kill him, because the Minotaur would feast on his faith forever, and it would become a living hell, and Edwin cannot allow that.

Edwin would rather be hated by Charles forever than be the cause of his suffering.

Edwin kneels down in front of Charles. In front of the belt on the ground. In front of Charles’ blood staining his hands, because he let Charles end up under the hands of his father again, and he will never forgive himself for it. Edwin will carry the weight of Charles’ pain on his shoulders until the heat death of the universe. “I can’t save you from this,” Edwin says, voice simple, voice matter-of-fact, “I can’t save you from your father, or from the Minotaur. I can’t save you from anything.”

-aletterinthenameofsanity, leads you here despite your destination (under the milky way tonight)

"God loves you, but not enough to save you"

So, baby girl, good luck taking care of yourself

But in the end, if I bend under the weight that they gave me

Then this heart would break and fall as twice as far

We all know how it goes

The more it hurts, the less it shows

But I still feel like they all know

And that's why I could never go back home

-Ethel Cain, Sun Bleached Flies

Aka: hello. Here to finally drop a new chapter (and war crimes) in y'all's laps. Have fun!

@gendrsoup @vyther15 @anything-thats-rock-and-roll

@tititilani @flowerbritts @silverysnake @ohfallingdisco

@regina-cordium @nix-nihili @wordsinhaled @bitterdesert

@lesbicosmos @spacegirlsgang @1kazul

@flaggersribs @depressedandoverdressed @sasakisniko

@frogsondeckchairs @stark-lord

[melbush]

thinking about amy pond. about how she still sees herself as that same child that he left years ago. how she never allowed herself to move on or grow up because she’s still stuck there. she can’t let herself be a normal person ever because that would mean letting the doctor, and all that hope, go.

[laughhardrunfastbekindsblog]

"The Curse of Fenric" and "The God Complex" = another example of a modern story borrowing basic themes/elements of a classic story.

In this case: the Doctor has to break the companion's faith in him in order to defeat the antagonist.

(Also interesting to note that Anne Reid, who plays Nurse Crane in "The Curse of Fenric" which is a story featuring haemovores, also plays the plasmavore Florence Finnegan in "Smith and Jones.")

[nuwho20zine]

"I'm not a hero. I really am just a mad man in a box. And it's time we saw each other as we really are. Amy Williams."

STORY OF THE WEEK: The God Complex

Release date: 17 September 2011 Main characters: Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, Rory Williams Main villain: Minotaur

🚨 Before proceeding, here is a gentle reminder that pre-orders start in 7 days! Make sure to follow us so you don't miss it.

“The God Complex” is one of those episodes I can never find the words to describe; every now and then I remember the Doctor’s moments with Amy, and something in my chest hurts. Just rereading over my notes from when I rewatched this episode makes me wanna gobble it up. Even the synopsis is a banger - “The Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory investigate a hotel of horror where repeat business is low but the body count is high, where a mighty monster stalks the corridors and the rooms hold visions of angels, apes, and creepy clowns.” - and it only grows from there. As someone on Reddit says, “The Doctor inadvertently causing a number of guests to die because he misreads the situation is a brilliant way to turn the narrative away from just being a spook-fest and into a character study.”

It is an episode that, I think, often flies under the radar, but it was beloved by the contributors of the zine, particularly by Quartz (find them @cousin-quartz-of-house-paradox ), who writes: ““The God Complex” is, boiled down to its essentials (the plot, setting), an absolute banger of a story. A house which isn't, luring people in by their worst fears, and harnessing their best efforts to fight against it, while there being, quite literally, a minotaur at the centre of the labyrinth, who's grown tired and old and just wants to stop.” It’s an episode that already packs so much juicy and interesting details from the get-go, but it only grows from there.

Quartz continues: “The Doctor paralleled with the minotaur, the companions paralleled with the people feeding it (because what is a God without its followers? What is the Doctor, what are their brilliant plans without somebody to witness them?) I mean, sure, say what you will about its semi-misogynistic Moffatisms, but really, nothing’s without faults. And I really think that, with the so real seeming (if slightly flat) and interesting one-offs, the mystery of what was behind the Doctor’s room (which, in my opinion, should have been kept a mystery. It's better that way, because it's Schrödinger’s room now, and every single thing or being or entity the Doctor has ever feared, including themselves at their worst, are behind that door. A paradox worthy of the show’s history), and the repercussions of Amy’s hero-worship of the Doctor, all play out so nicely. All we could hope for is a bit more justice for Mr Pond, eh? He should've got to say goodbye to the Doctor, and nobody really believes in nothing, but if you changed just belief to blind faith, it just might work. So, Geronimo, and don't let the universe get you down (because, after all, despair is a given, but we insist on hope.)”

It was a delight to revisit "The God Complex" for this post! Stay tuned for this week's spotlight, coming on Wednesday.

[6-and-7]

Starting a series of Doctor Who episodes reimagined as TMA episodes. Up first, The God Complex as the Spiral

[iknowimdespicableme]

My top 5 Doctor Who Episodes; And why!

DOCTOR WHO SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!! I say the season and episode before I start analyzing, so feel free to skip some.

5. Vincent and the Doctor [5x10]

This episode was so touching to me on many different levels. Firstly, as a creative person who deals with mental health and ostracization, seeing a version of Vincent Van Gogh on screen felt almost healing. Acknowledging the hurt he experienced while not ignoring his joys was very special. On a technical level, the way that the episode visualized a way Vincent Van Gogh may have seen the world was incredibly eye opening and better allowed me to appreciate his art. Furthermore, the confusion Amy experienced during the episode regarding her memory was such an experience for two reasons; Firstly, it proved to us, the audience, how much she has grown to love Rory. Before, she was dating him because he was the only half-decent guy around. But, after learning more about him and spending more time with him, she is truly in love with him and this episode gives proof of that. Secondly, I experience dissociative fugue, wherein I may forget large aspects of my life, and this episode was so comforting regarding that experience. Yes, sometimes there are things you can't remember that make you happy or sad. You should embrace the feelings rather than ignore them or feel scared. And, finally, the moment where Vincent Van Gogh is able to see what the future of his art holds is a touching moment; and I like that it didn't save him in the end. Like the Doctor said, “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things or make them unimportant.”

4. The Husbands of River Song [2015 Christmas Special]

I looked forward to finally watching this episode for so long leading up to it because I had heard such flattering things about it; and it didn't disappoint. After many episodes that felt lacking or one dimensional, this special brought back an element of camp, humor, and fun that had been missing, all the while including beloved characters and dramatic sequences. Allowing the Doctor an opportunity to see how one of his companions, especially River, acts when he is not around gives the audience so much more insight into her character and the Doctor a chance to learn and grow. Asking her about himself and learning that, although she may be worried or grieving, she finds these feelings worth it just to keep loving him. Considering how much River puts a mask on around 11 to not show her age and sadden him, it was refreshing to see a new side of her. Not to mention, the storyline for the special was interesting and compelling without being overwhelming in a way that took away from the characters. Although it's unlikely that the Doctor doubted River's feelings for him, this episode gave ultimate proof regarding how much she cares about him. Unfortunately, it also showcases how little River thinks of herself in relation to the Doctor. And, yet, there 12 is to prove her wrong when it mattered. Best of both worlds! Finally, the tenderness mixed with grief and understanding that we end the special with is such a perfect conclusion to River's story with the Doctor as it reflects their whole saga together perfectly. River's argument to the Doctor that, "Happily ever after doesn't mean forever, it just means time." was so special and the Doctor finally allowing himself to settle down (if only for a little bit) was exactly the kind of growth the character needed.

3. Wild Blue Yonder [2nd 2023 David Tennent Special]

I watched this episode yesterday and by gods it quickly skyrocketed to one of my favorites, where do I even start. Within the first few minutes of the episode, we are given many similarities and differences when comparing this Doctor and Donna adventure to their previous excursions. While they still compliment each other well, offering understanding and push-back, it is also clear the ways they have matured. Donna seems more in touch with her emotions and how she is truly feeling. When we first met her, she had a lot of anger and frustration within her from constantly being scrutinized and ignored. Now, we can see she is more peaceful and secure, even if below the surface some hesitation still lingers. Whereas, in the Doctor's case, he is so much more open to affection and vulnerability. The lessons he learned as 11 and 13 showed him that he could trust others, even if it is slowly. Although he is still trying to ignore or repress many things that have happened to him, he is at peace with them more than he was as 10. They both are less rageful. So, from a literary standpoint, just the beginning of this episode was wonderful. The classic "TARDIS fucks off somewhere leaving the company stranded" and "Doctor loses his sonic screwdriver and doesn't know what to do with himself for a bit" tropes came back swinging, and the way it affected the duo was wonderful to watch. The reality of the situation wasn't quickly swept under the rug or ignored because of a bigger problem, they got to sit in their fear for a while which was beautiful. The slow realization throughout the episode as if the audience is figuring out the answer at the same time as the Doctor just felt satisfying. Small, seemingly disconnected things coming together to form a compelling mystery. And, because it takes so long to give us the answer, we feel the carnal fear of the unknown just like the Doctor and Donna. I was tense when I realized they weren't talking to each other, but copies. I was scared when they were separated. And, the best part of the whole fucking episode, I didn't know who was who. That was terrifying! Up until the last second, I thought the Doctor had made the right choice, too! It kept me on the edge of my seat, informed me so much about the characters, explored a terrifying "what if" in a way only sci-fi can replicate, and was silly as hell. Loved every second. Also, the little robot guy was cute as hell.

2. Heaven Sent [9x11]

Explodes everywhere I love 12. This Doctor is characterized as a less nice, but still very kind regeneration. He holds so many conflicting feelings regarding the loss of the Ponds, his changing relationship with Clara, his perception of himself. I loved how he acted in his episodes. as socially confused, because it felt very familiar to me. The way his brain always seemed too loud and his loner energy was such a switch-up compared to 11. and yet so in character all the same. This episode carried this perfect essence of Doctor Who that felt lost in the majority of the last couple seasons. An entire episode where the Doctor is alone, and grieving, and loving, and problem-solving all at the same time was so compelling. Although it is clear I am more of a fan of episodes that focus on the characters and not the current storyline, this story was enthralling even if it took away from character moments sometimes. Do I wish we had more chances at the beginning/middle of the episode to properly address or reminisce about Clara? Yes. But, after watching the whole episode, it is clear why it was done. The setting for Heaven Sent was so intriguing, and the whole episode we are just wondering as much as the Doctor is; Why? Why is he being chased, why was he brought here, why are there shovels? It reeled us in. And then, once we realize the torture he is putting himself through, the dramatics, character information, and emotion we are given is so heart-wrenching. Evidently, Clara gave the Doctor a comfort greater and worth more than 5 billion years of torture. Could you imagine that? The depth of his love for Clara is given so much of a spotlight in this episode, and I am frothing at the mouth for it. Especially considering how they may frustrate or hurt each other, they still know each other. They help each other. And goddammit, he is not going to let her go. But, this stubbornness isn't necessarily a good thing. One important thing about loving someone is knowing when to let them go. This love for Clara was selfish the same way her love was for him in these intense moments where they sacrifice themselves for each other. They were doing it to prove something to themselves, to get the other back because they couldn't accept they were gone, not because it would be a better existence for the one in danger. Clara didn't want to be saved, she was being brave. And this imperfect grief the Doctor experiences was so achingly realistic. When I lost my cousin, it was so hard to accept. I wanted to ignore it, I wanted to be angry, I wanted him back. But, in the end, it was his time. This journey the Doctor goes on regarding yet another loss felt so powerful. He was forced to feel this and it hurt, he couldn't just try and quickly forget about it or sulk on his own terms. At the same time, the revelations he comes to throughout the episode were so reassuring to hear someone outside of my own head say. "It’s funny. The day you lose someone isn’t the worst. At least you’ve got something to do. It’s all the days they stay dead."

Turn Left [4x11]

This comes as a surprise to no one as someone who has been PREACHING character > story. This episode, while being a perfect set up for the finale, tells us so fucking much about the Doctor and, more importantly, ABOUT DONNA! Without Donna, there's no Doctor. Without the Doctor, everything goes to shit! Seeing as we, the audience, are usually seeing the universe by following the Doctor, a companion-focused episode was so refreshing. We got to learn so much about who Donna is, what her life back home was like before we met her, and gave realistic consequences to her actions. FUCK YEAH! It felt grounded, it felt interesting. I also adore the theory that every action we take splits us off into a new universe or timeline, so this episode was so perfect for me. DONNA'S INTERACTIONS WITH ROSE!!! Their comradery and understanding, the way Rose takes Donna under her wing, a moment where we see them as real people without the Doctor intervening or affecting the discussion. The importance of Donna to the universe being made so clear. WILF'S FLASHBACKS!! It's been forever since I saw this episode, but it is so rewatchable and makes me so interested every. single. time. The end of the episode is bone-chilling, with her literally killing herself to save the universe. And then!! The Doctor being out of the loop for once and understanding the severity of the situation with the return of the Bad Wolf. Explodes everywhere, words do not do justice the pure love, respect, and admiration I have for this episode and every actor, producer, tech person, writer, involved. Thank you GODS for this episode, I love you turn left. This lesson that every single person is indispensable and important sets up that conversation in later seasons and eventually becomes the main reoccurring theme of the show. Every Donna Noble, Rose Tyler, and Martha Jones of the universe is important and loved and unique and dbiubibjbjbgiufgbfgu you get me?

Honorable mentions:

The Parting of Ways [1x13]

The first finale of new who, and it was so gooooood!! Tied up the Bad Wolf hints, gave interesting endings to the TARDIS crew, told us so much about the ninth doctor, gave us confirmed ninerose, had a compelling storyline behind it, and just a classic good episode to go back to.

Tooth and Claw [2x2]

I know I've been mostly talking about the character implications of my favorite episodes, but this one was just interesting and fun. I loved the dynamic between the Doctor and Rose, the adventure, the silliness, the royal family being involved. Just a good, well-paced, wonderful episode.

The God Complex [6x11]

This episode was so yummy. While I was watching 11's seasons, I did get the vibe that Amy looked up and admired the Doctor in an unhealthy way and I loved how this episode addressed this. The idea that this thing was taking the forms of people's worst fears, the mystery of what the Doctor saw, the interesting characters, the understanding on what a God Complex actually was, its wonderful!!

The Timeless Children [12x10]

This may be controversial and I don't care!! I loved the way this episode was structured. I was confused and interested the whole time and when it fell into place I actually had to pause and pace around because OH MY GODS!!! it was a well-done reveal that had such interesting implications and I believe every reaction was in character and made sense. At first, I was upset about the loss of the former perception of the Doctor; Just a regular ol' guy who decided to act out and, above all, be kind. Suddenly, she was from another universe and was the original timelord and i was a little sad. But, the way it has been handled after feels so fitting, and it puts the rest of the show into perspective. All of the confusing things that set the Doctor apart from the others, it made sense now! I loved this episode, I thought it was a great.

The Village of the Angels [13x4]

I LOVED THE FLUX!! getting to have a old-school style season wherein the who season was just one problem was so cool and allowed for so much information! This episode specifically was so compelling. I loved the Professor Jericho; was SUCH a great addition to the TARDIS crew, and the way the handled the angels was arguably better than Time of Angels + Flesh and Stone. They were terrifying, the mystery was intriguing, and the characters were interesting!!! The only difficult part of this episode was keeping track of who was who as someone who has difficulty recognizing faces. Besides that, I fucking loved The Village of the Angels.

[itzmoss]

im doing an eleventh doctor rewatch rn

THE GOD COMPLEX MY FAV EPISODE

i just sit here with my little magnus archives brain

changing hotel cooridors??? LIKE THE SPIRAL??

shit based on peoples fears AAAAAAAAA????

[papeldelbano]

the way 11 and Amy's hug at the end of The God Complex mirrors their hug at the end of The Beast Below

[notyoujamie]

And now it's time for one last bow, Like all your other selves. Eleven's hour is over now. The clock is striking twelve's.

[tmblrsexydoctor]

Not the Doctor making an emotional attachment to a woman he met at a hotel with "ta" at the end of her name... again

[dandelionjack]

this + he likes to dine on coincidence + the crack in the ceiling + the crack in the wall + “then why are you crying” + the blue door + ms. flood (water name)

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

Payneland Doctor Who Episode List

So, hi! Thought some of y’all might be curious about the arc of the Payneland Doctor Who AU! And, well, I can't give that exactly, but instead, in no particular order (and I really did scramble these), we are going to be covering these specific episodes/concepts in detail in the doctor who AU:

1) The Beast Below

2) Rings of Akhaten

3) God Complex

4) Gridlock

5) Chameleon Arch

6) Bad Wolf/Parting of the Ways

7) Hide

8) Undisclosed Original (ish) Episode

9) Dalek

And for those who are curious, here is the fic itself! (We're 2/8 chapters in!)

[smallerontheoutside]

did anyone else realise that in the god complex, one of the doors that the doctor and companions open has a clown behind it

which as far as i remember wasn't anyone's biggest fear, however! it is sarah jane's biggest fear

idk i just like that they made a reference to her, even if it potentially wasn't on purpose :)